Fireworks safety tips ahead of July 4th

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) - July 4th always brings fun activities with fireworks as family and friends get together. However, while having fun, keeping everyone safe should still be at the top of the priority list.

Nobody wants to find themselves in a dangerous situation during the summer time holiday. Things can get incredibly dangerous if you’re not careful, though.

"Every 4th of July, burns, losses, you know, people get hit in the eye,” Fireworks Warehouse Marketing Director Jimmy Black said.

Black works with Fireworks Warehouse off NE 50th and I-35. He said there’s several things to keep in mind as the sun goes down and the fireworks start exploding.

"Making sure that you're prepared for the evening and having a plan,” Black said.

Have a designated lighter because multiple things going off at once could be dangerous. Always know what a firework does to avoid any mishaps to. Inspect it, read the instructions and they can also help you out inside the store.

"You can scan it and it'll show up on the screen and you'll understand what direction it goes in,” Black said.

Making sure kids are being supervised is key. Glow sticks can be an alternative for something age appropriate or if safety is a concern. Also, don’t smoke near fireworks and don’t be impaired.

"That happened here in Oklahoma one year where we had a large demonstration and a lot of them went off at the same time,” Black said.

Lastly, have somewhere to put the fireworks. A bucket of water will do, preferably a safe distance form your home. Wait a few minutes and if duds don’t explode, just hose them down and toss them in the water.

"If you throw them right in the garbage they can smolder for a long time and cause a fire,” Black said. "We want you to come back and have another 4th of July with everybody."

Remember to shoot them off a good distance away from your home and any people or pets. Keep in mind to, it is illegal to shoot fireworks in many city limits, including Oklahoma City.